Parliamentary Committee System in India

Lok Sabha reconstituted key parliamentary committees for 2026–27, ensuring financial oversight, accountability, and effective legislative scrutiny in India’s governance system.

About the Parliamentary Committee in India

Meaning: Small groups of Members of Parliament are formed to examine bills, policies, and government functioning in detail.
Detailed Scrutiny: Enable in-depth discussion and expert consultation beyond the limited time available in Parliament sessions.
Advisory Bodies: Work under the Speaker/Chairman and submit reports with recommendations to improve governance and legislation.
Constitutional Basis: Derives authority from Articles 105 and 118 of the Indian Constitution governing privileges and procedure.

Need for Parliamentary Committees

Limited Time: Parliament meets around 60–70 days annually, and only about 17% of the budget is discussed in Lok Sabha, making committees essential for detailed scrutiny.
Technical Complexity: Modern policies in the defence economy and health require expertise. E.g., the Health Committee examined the Surrogacy Bill in detail.
Consensus Building: Committees operate with less political pressure, and closed-door discussions help build agreement across parties despite disruptions in Parliament.
Executive Oversight: Committees like the Public Accounts Committee examine CAG reports, ensuring accountability in public expenditure and governance.

Classification of Parliamentary Committees in India

Parliamentary Committees in India are broadly classified into Standing and Ad Hoc committees based on their nature, functions, and duration of existence.

Standing Committees (Permanent)

These are continuous bodies, reconstituted annually, and classified into six categories.

Financial Committees: Examine financial matters.
- Public Accounts Committee (22 members: 15 LS + 7 RS) audits CAG reports.
- Estimates Committee (30 LS members) reviews budget estimates.
- Committee on Public Undertakings (22 members) evaluates PSUs.
Department-Related Standing Committees (24): Scrutinise ministries’ bills, budgets, and policies.
Enquiry Committees: Examine petitions and privilege issues.
Scrutiny & Control Committees: Review delegated legislation and government assurances.
House Business Committees: Manage parliamentary proceedings (Business Advisory Committee).
Housekeeping Committees: Handle administrative matters (House Committee).

Ad Hoc Committees (Temporary)

These are formed for specific purposes and dissolved after completing their task.

Inquiry Committees: Investigate specific issues (Joint Parliamentary Committee on scams).
Advisory Committees: Select/Joint Committees on Bills for detailed legislative scrutiny.

Significance of Parliamentary Committees

Legislative Expertise: MPs consult experts and stakeholders for informed decisions. E.g., the Health Committee examined the Surrogacy Bill 2016 with input from domain experts.
Mini-Parliament Role: Reflect proportional party strength, ensuring balanced views. E.g., the Public Accounts Committee includes members from both Houses and parties.
Detailed Scrutiny: Bills are examined clause-wise with public feedback. E.g., amendments suggested in the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
Executive Accountability: Committees review government actions. E.g., PAC analyses CAG reports to question irregularities in public expenditure.

Challenges Facing Parliamentary Committees

Weak Oversight: Bypassing committees weakens scrutiny. E.g., farm laws (2020) were passed without committee review, reducing legislative examination.
Majoritarian Control: Discretionary referral enables ruling party dominance. E.g., a strong majority in the Lok Sabha limits opposition influence in scrutiny.
Declining Referrals: Fewer Bills sent to committees. E.g., only about 25–30% Bills referred in the recent Lok Sabha compared to earlier higher rates.
Limited Powers: Recommendations are non-binding. E.g., Public Accounts Committee suggestions on expenditure irregularities are often not fully implemented.

Way Forward for Parliamentary Committees

Mandatory Scrutiny: Ensure all major Bills are referred to committees. E.g., over 60% Bills are examined, improving legislative quality.
Expert Support: Strengthen research capacity with domain experts, as recommended by the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution.
Greater Transparency: Publish reports and invite public input. E.g., stakeholder consultations during Consumer Protection Act 2019 review.
Institutional Strengthening: Empower committees with follow-up mechanisms so recommendations of bodies like the Public Accounts Committee are effectively implemented.

Parliamentary Committees strengthen accountability and scrutiny, proving that “democracy thrives in deliberation” and ensuring that “power remains accountable” for effective and transparent governance.

Reference: The Economic Times

UPSC Mains PYQs – Theme – Parliamentary Committee

[UPSC 2021 15M] Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administrations on their toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.
[UPSC 2018 10M] Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.
[UPSC 2017 10M] Discuss the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 662

Q. “Parliamentary Committees are often described as ‘mini-Parliaments’ that function beyond the glare of political theatrics.” Examine their role in strengthening legislative scrutiny and executive accountability in India. Also, analyse the challenges that limit their effectiveness and suggest reforms. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Write a brief introduction about the Parliamentary Committees.
Body: Write the role of Parliamentary Committees in strengthening legislative scrutiny and executive accountability in India, highlighting challenges that limit their effectiveness and suggest reforms.
Conclusion: Emphasis on effective legislative scrutiny and executive accountability to ensure transparent governance and strengthen parliamentary democracy.